2SLGBTQ+ young people with intersectional identities
Celebrating and affirming the full diversity of 2SLGBTQ+ communities does not simply mean recognizing that anyone can be 2SLGBTQ+ regardless of their race, ability, religion, class, and other aspects of identity.
Rather, it is important to understand that 2SLGBTQ+ identities can have diverse expressions, specific connotations, and unique significance because of the interrelatedness of multiple aspects of identity. For example, as discussed elsewhere in this guide, Two-Spirit identities are identities that are rooted in Indigenous cultures and traditional understandings of gender and sexuality; these identities cannot be separated from Indigenous identities.
In order to provide affirming services, it is also essential to acknowledge that 2SLGBTQ+ individuals with intersectional identities must navigate multiple and intersecting forms of oppression. For example, transmisogyny is a type of intersectional oppression experienced by trans women and trans feminine people that arises from the complex interactions between sexism/misogyny and cissexism/transphobia.
2SLGBTQ+ individuals with intersectional identities often face unique challenges and require approaches to service delivery that recognize and affirm all aspects of their identities.
Understanding and supporting 2SLGBTQ+ individuals with intersectional identities
- Trans-misogyny primerOne-page resource on transmisogyny, the system of intersectional oppression arising out of the complex interplay between sexism and cissexism which targets trans women and trans feminine people
- We're here: Indigenous 2SLGBTQ+ youth across Ontario assert needs and experiences [2020]Snapshot report from LGBT YouthLine’s Provincial Youth Ambassador Project (PYAP) looking at the experiences and needs of 2SLGBTQ+ youth in Ontario. For all reports and materials associated with PYAP, see here
- We're here: Northern 2SLGBTQ+ youth across Ontario assert needs and experiences [2020]Snapshot report from LGBT YouthLine’s Provincial Youth Ambassador Project (PYAP) looking at the experiences and needs of 2SLGBTQ+ youth in Ontario. For all reports and materials associated with PYAP, see here
- We're here: Racialized 2SLGBTQ+ youth across Ontario assert needs and experiences [2020]Snapshot report from LGBT YouthLine’s Provincial Youth Ambassador Project (PYAP) looking at the experiences and needs of 2SLGBTQ+ youth in Ontario. For all reports and materials associated with PYAP, see here
- LGBTQ youth of color impacted by the child welfare and juvenile justice systems: A research agenda [2019]Collection of working papers focused on understanding what we know and what we need to better understand about the lives and outcomes of racialized 2SLGBTQ+ youth involved in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems
- Bringing our whole selves: Inclusive programs with and for racialized LGBTTQQ2SIA youth [2017]Report from the Youth Research and Evaluation eXchange (YouthREX) that looks at how we might design youth sector services and programs for 2SLGBTQ+ youth that critically embrace intersectionality
- The Black Queer Youth Initiative: Challenging racism, stigma & exclusion [2017]Chapter from Where Am I Going to Go? Intersectional Approaches to Ending LGBTQ2S Youth Homelessness in Canada & the U.S. that presents the Black Queer Youth (BQY) as a case study. BQY is a group for Black, African, Caribbean and multiracial youth, aged 29 and under, who also identify as 2SLGBTQ+
- Dealing with being different: A resource guide for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning Black youthResource intended for Black youth and their families. From the Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention (Black CAP)
- Queer Asian Youth presents "When you're ready"Resource intended to support East and Southeast Asian youth in disclosing 2SLGBTQ+ identities. From Queer Asian Youth, a program of Asian Community AIDS Services
- Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans & queer identified people and mental healthInformation about 2SLGBTQ+ experiences of mental health and well-being
- Asking the right questions 2: Talking with clients about sexual orientation and gender identity in mental health, counselling and addiction settings [2007]Resource intended for therapists and counsellors. Includes information about the social determinants of health and experiences of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals that relate to substance use and/or mental health problems
- Positive Spaces Initiative starter kit [2014]Resource from the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI) intended to support those working with LGBTQ+ newcomers
- The settlement and integration needs of Francophone LGBTQIA immigrants and refugees in Ontario [2015]Needs assessment reporting on the settlement and integration needs of Francophone LGBTQ+ immigrants and refugees in Ontario
- Black and LGBTQ: Approaching Intersectional Conversations [2020]This toolkit was developed by The Trevor Project and intends to assist Black LGBTQ young people in having difficult conversations with people who are uninformed about race, queer identities, or the intersection of both.
